PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) - Portland police say a man was killed during an officer-involved shooting in Lents Park Friday morning.
At about 9:30 a.m., officers were called out to reports of a white man pointing a gun in the 4700 block of Southeast 92nd Avenue.
Officers arrived to Lents Park and contacted the person.
Acting Chief Chris Davis said at some point during the contact, less lethal and lethal weapons were deployed. Two officers deployed 40 mm rounds and one officer used lethal force.
Medical assistance was staged nearby as is protocol in these situations, Davis said, and the officers provided emergency medical attention at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's identity has not been released.
The involved officer has not been identified, but is said to be an 8-year veteran assigned to the East Precinct. The officer was placed on paid administrative leave.
Anyone who has not been interviewed, but has information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Anthony Merrill at -503-823-4033 or anthony.merrill@portlandoregon.gov, or Detective Joe Corona at 503-823-0508 or joseph.corona@portlandoregon.gov.
No one else was injured.
Mayor Ted Wheeler released a statement following the shooting, saying he visited the scene to "show respect for the individual, their family, the officers, and our community."
Wheeler also said that he recognizes "why people are concerned and possibly angry. While our understanding of this incident evolves, I urge everyone to proceed with empathy and peace."
PPB said during the on-scene investigation a crowd estimated to be over 100 people tore down crime-scene police tape and came into the work area.
A line of officers had to create a blockade on multiple sides of the scene to keep the crowd back. Police say officers were hit with sticks and full water bottles were thrown at them. A group of people grabbed an officer’s baton and tried to pull it away. Officers deployed OC (pepper) spray to stop the criminal behavior.
At least one police vehicle’s tires were flattened. As officers began to leave the scene, police say they were chased and had things thrown at them. Officers used smoke canisters in an attempt to help them leave, but people kept following them. A Rubber Ball Distraction Device was also used to allow officers to leave. No officers were injured. No arrests were made. Officers did not deploy chemical munitions.